Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Round Rock, TX
Relocating 698 mi from Rio Rancho to Round Rock is a 12h 59m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
698 mi · 12h 59m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 40, US 183 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Killeen, Lubbock, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.6% above Rio Rancho — $361,856 → $407,077 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 39 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.66 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.6% higher in Round Rock than Rio Rancho.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 698 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 2.6% higher than Rio Rancho (98.066 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 698 mi and the route typically takes 12h 59m via US 84 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Rio Rancho vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho — a 13.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho — a 12.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM · Round Rock, TX.